Premium Essay

Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement

In:

Submitted By dkelley120
Words 686
Pages 3
The book, Stress Management for Law Enforcement, written by Dr. Kevin M. Gilmartin, Ph.D. is a must read for all law enforcement personnel. Law enforcement professionals are faced with many challenges in their personal lives and professional careers. These challenges, often predictable and preventable, can become dangerous problems. Consequences such as unemployment, divorce, lost friendships, and even suicide may not be eluded if self-help is avoided. However, the choice of becoming a “survivor” instead of a “victim” is that of each and every police officer who risk their lives every day. In the text, Dr. Gilmartin discusses cynicism and the effect it can have on an individual. Our every day dealings with people can cause law enforcement officers to form a very negative, distrustful mindset. This may very well benefit us in our professional life, but it can be very devastating in our personal affairs. Police officers easily blame cynicism on their experiences at work, but many fail to recognize the longterm effects it has on living a normal social, family, and emotional life. We must take the time to survive emotionally and avoid cynicism-based thinking and decisions. The consequences may be irrevocable, compounding the stressors already caused by the job. Most police officers start their careers with a solid sense of self—they have healthy relationships, high values, solid beliefs, goals, hobbies, and are physically fit to name a few (Gilmartin, p. 74). As officers live their “dream,” they are challenged to maintain an upbeat perspective on their emotional stability. This healthy sense of self begins to disappear and all dimensions in their life diminish. All that remains for many is the role of being a cop and nothing outside of the job. The author describes this as the “I Usta” syndrome and its long-term effects of hyper vigilance (Gilmartin, pp. 74-75). The

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Social Justice

...Every society has rules to go by and laws that must not be broken and along with that is the criminal justice that even gives the criminal rights. Criminals in the United States are to be given their rights and not to have harm to them in any way under the justice system as they may be freed from their prosecution and their case be acquitted if found in their favor if an act of unjust or immoral conduct has been found. Law enforcement professionals must execute justice by upholding the law in an ethical and constitutional manner. “The United States Department of Justice seeks to prevent or resolve community conflicts and tensions arising from actions, policies, and practices perceived to be discriminatory on the basis of race, color, or national origin (CRS National Office).” Every officer must follow and obey the law in and out of vested uniform. The Constitution of the United States are most relevant to the ethical standards of law enforcement professionals by the prohibitions against warrantless search and seizure are parts of the United States Constitution which are relevant to the ethical standards of law enforcement. Law enforcement professionals ensure that they uphold the Constitution by following Law Enforcement Oath of Honor this is recommended as by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as symbolic statement of commitment to ethical behavior: “On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will...

Words: 1488 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Police Subculture

...can have a profound impact on the psychological health of an individual. Few occupations, outside of the medical field, entail as intense and frequent exposure to death than does those in the law enforcement field. The effect of such exposure on individual law enforcement officers, and upon the subculture as a whole, is both damaging and functional. “Themes, images, and symbols of death pervade the folklore of the police subculture” (Henry). This is something that all the members of the law enforcement community have to deal with on a daily basis, but at what cost? A subculture is defined as, “a cultural group within a larger culture, often having beliefs or interests at variance with those of the larger culture” (Merriam Webster). These beliefs and interests can include things like language, ideological values, gender roles, social conventions, religion, or artistic expression through things like paintings, books or films. Any group that shares interests can be a subculture such as school groups, church groups, civic organizations, sports teams, or people in a particular profession. The police subculture is a feeling of brotherhood, or tremendous group loyalty that exists among law enforcement officers. An unwritten creed, it can lead officers to support their law enforcement brethren at the expense of all else. Responding immediately, and in strength to an ‘officer in distress’ call would be a positive result of this belonging. However, the strong emotions involved...

Words: 1420 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Stockholm Syndrome

...Stockholm Syndrome: Why Victims Attach to their Captors When people are placed in a situation where they feel a loss of control for their own fate, have been abused, or generally begin to believe that their abductor or tormentor has all of the power. This often leads to them becoming sympathetic to that very person. This is a very delicate situation that is known as Stockholm syndrome. Even months after their abduction or abuse, victims display allegiance to their abusers and/or captors. This paper will not only provide an overview of this disorder, but will explore the causation and describe well-known instances where this syndrome has been publicized. Stockholm syndrome is a psychological disorder that describes the behavior of kidnap or abuse victims who, after a certain period of time, become sympathetic to them. It occurs in the most psychologically traumatic situations, often hostage situations or kidnappings, and its effect usually do not end when the crisis ends. In most classic cases, victims continue to defend and care about their captors even after they escape captivity. Symptoms of Stockholm syndrome have been identified as being similar to the battered-spouse cases, cults, and slave/master relationships. This disorder was first coined in the early 1970’s to describe the odd behavior four bank employees had for their captors in Stockholm, Sweden. In this situation two robbers seized four bank personnel hostage for approximately 5 days. During this...

Words: 2735 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Status of Children in India with Special Reference to Kerala State

...Status of children in India India has the largest number of children in the world. More than one-third of the country's population is below 18 years. Millions of children in India grow up uncared for, condemned to miserable conditions. They live in abject poverty without any sort of medical treatment, education or food. The status of children in India is very alarming. India has made some significant commitments towards ensuring the basic rights of children. There has been progress in overall indicators: infant mortality rates are down, child survival is up, literacy rates have improved and school dropout rates have fallen. But the issue of child rights in India is still caught between legal and policy commitments to children on the one hand, and the fallout of the process of globalisation on the other. Over the last decade, countries across the world have been changing their existing economic models in favour of one driven by the free market, incorporating processes of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. The direct impact of free trade on children may not leap to the eye, but we do know that globalised India is witnessing worsening levels of basic health, nutrition and shelter. Children are suffering as a result of social sector cutbacks/policies and programmes and development initiatives that deprive communities and families of access to and control over land, forest and water resources they have traditionally depended on. The negative fallout is visible: children...

Words: 4126 - Pages: 17

Free Essay

Law Enforcement Homicide and Suicide

...Casualties of Law Enforcement: Homicide and Suicide Katherine Nielsen Buena Vista University Online Abstract This work is an overview of the increase in deaths of law enforcement agents: those killed on duty and those who kill themselves. As per a yearly report (Berman, 2014), the number of law enforcement agents killed while working rose almost a quarter this past year compared to years prior, especially ambush-style killings. Police officers across the country face potential dangers on their job, and they are a target simply because they are in uniform. As well, every 17 hours an officer commits suicide (Berman, 2014). This paper explores the correlation of the stress experienced by law enforcement associated with general strain theory (GST). GST is an explanation for suicide ideation for law enforcement officers. Other articles observe that police officers may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a critical incident or a traumatic experience. PTSD awareness is critical for saving lives. Why is there an increase in law enforcement deaths and suicides, and what needs to occur to change this trend? Keywords: post-traumatic stress disorder, general strain theory Introduction There were 50 officers murdered by shootings in 2014, a huge leap from the 32 such deaths a year prior (Berman, 2014). One officer killed is one officer too many, and this trend needs to be reversed. How does society stop this? Altogether, 126 law enforcement officers died in...

Words: 8098 - Pages: 33

Premium Essay

Gender and Family

...crimes of girls were often ignored because they were usually sexual in nature or emotional crimes such as killing a husband or boyfriend. Often times crimes committed by young people are done as a means of survival post running away from home. Running away is a very common thing for young people and in many cases these adolescents never return home, usually because they are fleeing a bad situation involving abuse of some kind sexual or physical. With the family unit taking on new meanings in this modern age many young people do not have the support of their family unlike those of previous generations. With the divorce being more common as is single parenting, often times having several children all with different other parents. Stable home environments have become very much a thing of the past. Children are often times not a top priority for their parents and this shows in the children and teens that are produced from this type of home. Female offenders often turn to gang life or sex crimes as a means of survival. In my observations with children I have watched grow, those who have had parents that were involved and had the time to be there for their children have seen the fruits of their labor is productive confident adults. Those who have been single parents and have not been there for their children have seen issues with their children including drug abuse, teen pregnancy and trouble with the law. This includes my own sister who as a divorced woman had to work two and sometimes...

Words: 926 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Children and War

...foundations, and associations that are combating these occurrences, the fact of the matter is, until awareness is increased and the truth is put out there, struggles to defend the human rights and social justice are going to be continuing. Children on the battlefield have been found throughout history. From the biblical times to World War II, children have been used to fight because of their vulnerability, small size, and their need for survival. These children are exploited from regions in Africa, Iran, Cambodia, Australia, Afghanistan, Canada, and even in the United States. A child under the age of 18 would be considered a child. In the US, a 17 year old child could become a soldier with their parent’s approval. Wouldn’t that be considered a child soldier, even if they were not allowed to be deployed off the US soil? The recurring premise in regards to the articles and videos of children and war was the recruitment of these children. Many are kidnapped, forced, “sold” by their family, and others volunteer themselves for reasons such as survival, avenge, and/or their own cultural ideologies. The consequences of these children being exposed to killings, torture, and...

Words: 871 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Battered Women's Syndrome Research Paper

...572). The first phase is the ‘tension building’ stage where there is conflict and arguing. This phase involves trying to make the victim think they are crazy through mind games. The second phase is the climatic explosion from the tension building stage. The emotional break is a crisis, which can be dangerous for the victim, law enforcement, family members, friends, and anyone who attempts to intervene in preventing the abuser access, control, manipulation, and possession of their victim. This stage includes severe violence with kicking, beating, choking, and raping. Pets are commonly vulnerable to being hurt or...

Words: 1372 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Terrorism

...Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence by a person or group. The goal is to intimidate or coerce societies or governments in an effort to promote political or ideological beliefs. These attacks can take many forms, and could happen at any time in any place. Terrorists typically exploit weaknesses, and may use technology, hazardous materials, biological agents or other methods to create devastating disruptions to the community. Terrorism thrives on fear. By planning how to respond to a terrorist attack, you can greatly improve your chances of survival. You can also lessen the impact of the attack by reducing the fear in the aftermath. Community Involvement As Chief of River City, my first priority would be to protect the citizens of River City. Attacks can be expected to provide maximum negative effect on the following levels: emotional, food, water, health, financial, infrastructure, leadership and the very function of society. Because it is impossible to know in advance which of these areas will be impacted most heavily in the event of a terrorist event, the best course of action is to make individual preparation in the areas where you are able to do so. For example, a supply of food that is easily stored means you aren't dependent upon stores that may or may not be available at the local supermarket. The same thing is true of a water supply. The citizens would be encouraged to stock up on bottled water. The Supply of bottled water could be crucial in the event...

Words: 1351 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Human Trafficking Girl

...responding fast enough to her crying child, and for talking back to her. (DHS) The story is one I can connect girls and women that have the ambition to excel out of their circumstances may take on domestic jobs. Cleaning is a common occupation for females to find economic stability. However, if someone is beaten and abused inside of the home, it is nearly impossible to detect without testimony from the victim. Acting on human trafficking Additionally, human trafficking has gone under extensive investigation through the FBI. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collaborates and networks with organizations, at the state, national, and tribal within the United States. Since the year 2000, Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), law enforcement gained the ability to protect foreign victims of human trafficking through several forms of immigration relief, including Continued Presence and the T visa. Often, investigations involving human trafficking come to the attention of field offices and task forces...

Words: 1619 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study

...abuse. According to Choi, Jeong, Rohan, Polcari, & Teicher et al., neuroimaging studies show that different forms of abuse effect different regions of the brain (2009). As a result, this is shown to cause psychological consequences, which also contribute to social and cognitive difficulties in children. My research proves that even if the form of physical punishment doesn’t seem severe at the time, there are still later consequences. Parents should strongly consider different methods of punishment to further preserve the overall mental, emotional, and physical well-being of their children. For, the outcomes of child physical abuse are shown to be relatively negative. Meyer highlights how the long-term effects of child abuse could mediated by glucocorticoid activity on steroid receptors expressed throughout the brain (1983). Glucocorticoids aid in brain maturation and contribute to the remodeling of axons and dendrites which influence cell survival. The chronic stress associated with child abuse can also disturb crucial developmental stages and place children in a cycle of social incompetence, lack of support, and victimization (Cicchetti & Toth, 2005). According to (Springer, Sheridan, Kuo, & Carnes, 2007), adults who experienced abuse or neglect are more likely to suffer from physical ailments. These ailments are as follows: high blood pressure, arthritis, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and ulcers. A study done by the National Institute of Justice study states that neglected children...

Words: 679 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

We Are

...major global problem. The article describes how children’s rights provide a different perspective on child maltreatment and contribute to both public health and protective responses. The article is about the social and legal contexts in which society responds to child maltreatment. Child maltreatment is the general term used to describe all forms of child abuse and neglect. There is no one commonly accepted definition of child abuse and neglect. Child maltreatment is not a recent phenomenon and it is not unique to certain nations and cultures. Child maltreatment includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent or an individual in charge of the child. Examples of abuse are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. How child maltreatment is defined is central to how child maltreatment is...

Words: 987 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

The Perils of Sexting

...Running head: THE PERILS OF SEXTING 1 The Perils of Sexting xxxx xxx THE PERILS OF SEXTING 2 The Perils of Sexting Have you ever thought about sending a nude photo to your longtime boyfriend? Perhaps you even there was no harm because you would be together forever. Think again! There is harm, real harm that may hurt you in many more ways than you can imagine and not many resources exist to help you through the extent of the harm caused. Imagine you and your boyfriend breaking up, he sends that photo you thought was innocent to a friend. That friend sends it to many other friends who send it to the entire high school student body. Not only are you trying to recover from a devastating breakup, but thrown into a world of cyber bullying with everyone at school making comments behind your back. Afraid to tell your parents, afraid to go to school, what do you do? What teens do not consider are the perils of sexting, psychological or criminal. Even though many teens are educated and taught right from wrong, they believe they are invincible and often fail to realize negative consequences to risky behavior. Why do teens not understand the treacherous aftermath of sexting? Teens should know there are the real consequential repercussions of their sexting behaviors. Figure 1: Teenage sexting statistics THE PERILS OF SEXTING 3 Figure 1: Teenage Sexting Statistics (2015) from studies done by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, The Pew...

Words: 3888 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Reasons for Joining Gangs

...Aaron Maxfield COU 617 Counseling Children and Adolescents Dr. Lawrence Rubin Capstone Module 4 People join gangs for many reasons, not least to fulfill the universal needs among young people for status, identity and companionship. There is some evidence to suggest low self-esteem has a significant relationship with the characteristic features of gang membership: aggression, antisocial and offending behavior. Other important psychological motivations contributing to gang membership include the need for money, protection against victimization, connectedness to others in the gang, the need for status and respect, and excitement (Madden, 2013). As a former probation officer, I was able to supervise and form relationships with a significant amount of gang members. I was able to see firsthand the risk factors that circle around the neighborhoods where gang activity was prevalent. Gang membership doesn’t just appear in a vacuum. There are so many different forces at play and risk factors that coincide with mental health problems in these environments including: low-income households, unemployment, use of illicit substances, low parental involvement, low educational attainment, and involvement in the criminal justice system. As a therapist, I realize there will be numerous mental health issues that will be challenging. There appears to be a high prevalence of conduct and antisocial personality disorders among the gang membership population. Violence before age 15 that...

Words: 986 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Chiold Abuse

...child abuse Definition Any behavior directed toward a child that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened.” Child Welfare Act -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1999, the WHO Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention compared definitions of abuse from 58 countries and drafted the following definition: ‘‘Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, or neglect, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.’’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Problem Types of child abuse: * Physical abuse (28%) Physical abuse is any non-accidental injury to a child under the age of 18 by a parent or caretaker. These injuries may include beatings, shaking, burns, human bites or others, with...

Words: 1040 - Pages: 5